When Style Speaks

By Elissa Emoto, staff writer | Communication Studies major

How do you express your identity through style? What pieces of your wardrobe define your fashion? The way people dress does reflect the way their personalities are perceived. With a deadline of 30 minutes, one Collide reporter and photographer accepted the mission to find students expressing their fashion identity. They found these five APU students, wearing fashions straight off the Cougar Walk, who shared stories of how their style speaks.

Macie De Castro, Sophomore Nursing Major

Expressive Elements:

She described her style as classy, simple and sophisticated. “I grew up with an old-fashioned background,” said De Castro. “That’s why I don’t like to do anything too loud or anything too trendy.” De Castro believes in repurposing fashion because she sees all styles eventually being recycled from the past.

Consumer Identity:

“I love thrifting. The lesser known, the better,” said De Castro. “It’s better for me to save money on a college budget.”

 

 

 

Joshua Tait, Senior Liberal Studies Major

Expressive Elements:

Typically seen wearing an English Walking Cap, Tait expresses his heritage through his fashion choices. “This was my great grandpa’s hat actually,” said Tait. “I wear them because of my Scottish and Irish culture behind it.”

Consumer Identity:

Like most college students, Tait does not have a huge budget to spend on clothes. At the top of his list are Ross and various thrift stores.

 

 

 

Jason Jones, Organizational Leadership Major in the School of Adult and Professional Studies

Expressive Elements:  

Jones wakes up in the morning and allows God to dictate his outfit selection. “It may sound weird, but I dress in the Spirit,” said Jones.  Choosing earth tones instead of bright colors, Jones appreciates simple clothing that comes to life on its own. “I like the look that has a story,” Jones said. “Buying shirts that look like its been loved; it adds flavor.”

Consumer Identity:

In search of those well-loved t-shirts, Jones prefers consignment stores like Buffalo Exchange and often shops at thrift stores.

 

 

 

Kelsey Nerland, Sophomore Communication Studies Major

Expressive Elements:

Spotted wearing a braided feather headband and a fringed crocheted vest, Nerland explained she chooses an outfit theme every day rather than having a set style. “I definitely like to be creative,” said Nerland. “I just try to change things up and express my creativity through dressing.”

Consumer Identity:

With a constantly evolving style, Nerland can be found shopping at Nordstrom’s Brass Plum department and Urban Outfitters.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Terada, Junior Psychology Major

Expressive Elements:

Ready-to-wear fashion has a different kind of meaning for Brian Terada, who enjoys clothes that fit his active lifestyle. “I like to be ready at anytime so usually, I’ll carry around water,” said Terada, who chooses accessible and effortless accessories instead of trendy items. “It is good to have at least 3 liters of water at anytime.” He also expressed that his style is “easy.” As for the bright blue beanie?  It’s more than just a style statement. Terada admitted that it’s really meant to cover up his “out-of-control hair.”

Consumer Identity:

Terada loves a good deal. His favorite store is the Columbia employee store in Colorado where everything is always 50 percent off.  He also admitted that he loves to shop at APU’s bookstore on Touchdown Tuesdays.